Sports

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami

CM Dhami to inaugurate Uttarakhand’s first Sports University in Haldwani on National Sports Day

CM Pushkar Singh Dhami will arrive in Nainital on Saturday, August 29th, for a day-long visit. The district administration has released the schedule for the Chief Minister’s visit. According to the schedule, CM Dhami will depart for Haldwani Gaulapar via helicopter from the DPS School grounds in Rudrapur in the morning and arrive at the Gaulapar Stadium helipad at 12 noon. The Chief Minister will then depart by car for the Uttarakhand State Sports University. Five minutes later, he will arrive at the university campus to attend the ceremony. He will also participate in the groundbreaking ceremony and foundation stone laying ceremony of the Uttarakhand State Sports University, as well as the National Sports Day ceremony, and will depart from the Sports University for ITDC Fortune in Haldwani at 2 pm. During this visit, the Chief Minister will interact with people from the industry and business world. The Chief Minister will then arrive in the ITDC Fortuner near the District Cooperative Bank in Anand Bagh and participate in the program held there. At 4 p.m., the Chief Minister will depart from Anand Bagh for Mukhani. After attending the program, the Chief Minister will proceed to the FTI helipad, from where CM Dhami will depart for Dehradun by helicopter. It should be noted that Uttarakhand will receive the state’s first sports university on the occasion of National Sports Day. The sports university, being built in Haldwani’s Gaulapar, will benefit the state’s athletes. A grand ceremony will be held at the International Stadium in Gaulapar for the foundation stone laying ceremony of the sports university, for which preparations have already been completed. Additionally, 94 posts, including the Vice Chancellor, have been approved for the sports university.

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IPL and India Under-19 stars to shine in Dehradun T20 League; cricketing excitement begins on September 2.

Dehradun T20 League 2026: IPL Stars and Young Talent Set to Light Up the City Cricket fans in Dehradun are gearing up for the first-ever Dehradun T20 League 2026, scheduled from September 2 to 9 at Abhimanyu Cricket Academy. The tournament is expected to feature players from IPL, India U-19, Duleep Trophy and Ranji Trophy levels. Akash Madhwal to Lead the Buzz The Mussoorie Thunder has attracted attention with the pre-signing of IPL pacer Akash Madhwal and India U-19 player Lakshya Raichandani. The team also includes Ranji Trophy players Neeraj Rathore and Aryan Garg, along with board-level talent Poorvansh Dhruv. Strong Line-ups Across Teams Other teams have also added experienced domestic players. Rishikesh Dragons include Yuvraj Chaudhary, Saurabh Rawat, Ravinder Negi and Aarav Mahajan, while Vikasnagar Dhamaka features Kunal Chandela, Shashwat Dangwal and other young Uttarakhand players. Herbertpur Knight Riders, Selakui Strikers and Doiwala Kings have also built squads combining domestic experience with emerging local talent. A New Platform for Uttarakhand Cricket The league aims to give young cricketers from Uttarakhand an opportunity to compete alongside experienced players and showcase their skills. Former BCCI vice-president Mahim Verma has welcomed the initiative, saying such tournaments can help strengthen the state’s cricket ecosystem. League CEO Navneet Mishra said the combination of experienced players and emerging talent will give the tournament a unique identity. The Dehradun T20 League 2026 will run from September 2 to 9, promising local fans a week of exciting T20 cricket.

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Srinagar Garhwal's Sanaya Bhandari Wins Two Gold Medals, Makes Uttarakhand Proud

Srinagar Garhwal’s Sanaya Bhandari Wins Two Gold Medals, Makes Uttarakhand Proud

Sanaya Bhandari, a daughter of Uttarakhand, has once again brought glory to the state by showcasing exceptional talent in archery. A promising archer from Srinagar Garhwal, Sanaya won two gold medals at the CBSE North Zone Archery Championship held in Bijnor. Competing in the Under-14 category, she secured gold medals in both the single and double events, achieving remarkable success through precise shooting in the ‘Indian Round’ at 70m and 30m distances. She demonstrated her talent amidst a field of approximately 600 participating athletes. The guidance and training provided by her coaches, Pratibha Dhami and Kuldeep Bisht, played a pivotal role in this achievement—her third major success to date. By following their instructions and refining her technique and performance, she has established a reputation at the national level. Notably, she previously represented Uttarakhand at the National Archery Championship held in Andhra Pradesh in March 2025. She also won a silver medal with an impressive performance at the 6th Sub-Junior and 8th Senior State Archery Championship held in Nainital in June 2025. Furthermore, she showcased her talent by representing Uttarakhand at the National Archery Championship held in Arunachal Pradesh in November 2025. Sanaya is the daughter of Aarti Bhandari, the Mayor of Srinagar Municipal Corporation, and Lakhpat Singh Bhandari, a former District Panchayat member. Her success is the result of hard work, discipline, expert coaching, and dedication to the sport. She aspires to represent India at the Olympics in the future and win a medal for the country. Her consistent success is a source of pride for all of Uttarakhand and serves as an inspiration for young athletes in the region. Her hard work and perseverance suggest that she is poised to gain recognition not only at the state and national levels but also on the international stage in the future.

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Chief Minister Dhami honoured the women boxers for their outstanding performance at the international level

Chief Minister Dhami honoured the women boxers for their outstanding performance at the international level

Once again, Uttarakhand’s women have brought glory to the state with their outstanding performances at the international level. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met with female boxers at the Chief Minister’s residence. The Chief Minister honored Pithoragarh boxers Nikita Chand, Kajal Farswan, and Aarti Dhariyal for their achievements. He also honored the players’ coaches, Vijendra Mall and Lalit Kumar, and wished them a bright future. Uttarakhand’s shines at the international level At the recent Under-30 Asian Boxing Championships held in Jakarta, Indonesia from July 3rd to 15th, Uttarakhand’s promising boxers Nikita Chand won the silver medal in the 60 kg weight category and Kajal Farswan won the silver medal in the 65 kg weight category. Both players have brought glory to Uttarakhand and India internationally through their talent and hard work. Let us tell you that Nikita Chand, a resident of Badlu village in Pithoragarh, has previously won gold medals in the Asian Championships in 2021-22 and 2023. She is currently training under the guidance of her coaches Vijendra Mal and Bhaskar Bhatt. Achievements in the field of boxing Kajal Farswan, a resident of Bhadeli village in Munsyari, has also achieved success in the field of boxing. After training under coach Nikhil Mahar at the Small India Centre, she was selected for the NBA Rohtak. She is currently training at the National Women’s Boxing Camp in Patiala. She has previously won a silver medal in the Under-19 ASBC Championship, a bronze medal in the Under-23 Asian Boxing Championship, and a silver medal in the 38th National Games in 2025. Additionally, another talented female boxer from Pithoragarh, Aarti Dhariwal, has brought glory to the country and the state by winning the gold medal in the 54 kg weight category at the Gold Belt Boxing Competition held in Romania from July 12-16, 2026. She also won the bronze medal at the 2024-2025 Elite Women’s National Boxing Championship. Based on her continued success, she has been selected for the National Women’s Boxing Camp in Patiala, where she is currently training. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that to promote sporting talent in the state, the government is focusing on expanding sports facilities and encouraging talented athletes. Uttarakhand’s athletes have consistently excelled at the national and international levels, bringing glory to the state. The government’s efforts are to ensure that every talented athlete in the state receives the necessary opportunities and facilities to hone their skills and perform on the big stage.

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A Maverick’s Journey Through Indian Cricket : Rishabh Pant

A Maverick’s Journey Through Indian Cricket : Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant, an Indian cricketer, was born on October 4, 1997, in Roorkee, Uttarakhand. He is known for his batting and wicketkeeping. He is also known as India’s Gilchrist and is known for his explosive batting. To fulfill his dream of becoming a cricketer, he moved to Delhi with his mother at the age of 12, where he also spent some time at the Gurudwara in Moti Bagh. In 2016, he worked hard and secured a place in the Under-19 World Cup and performed brilliantly. In 2018, he made his Test debut against England and quickly established himself with his impressive knocks against the overseas team. His match-winning knock in the 2021 Gabba Test is one of the most memorable moments in the history of Indian cricket. Regarding his education, he completed his primary education at the Indian Public School, Dehradun, and earned a B.Com degree from the prestigious Sri Venkateswara College, Delhi University. He continued his education while focusing entirely on cricket. Besides being an educated athlete himself, he also helps underprivileged children with their education. Recently, he supported the higher education of a needy student by paying his BCA college fees. He is the Indian cricket team’s primary inactive wicketkeeper-batsman, known for his explosive and aggressive left-handed middle-order batting. He is also considered Team India’s savior for rescuing the Indian team from difficult situations in Test cricket. He has also been Team India’s biggest match-winner in Test cricket, with a batting average of over 43. He also represents the Delhi cricket team domestically. He began his IPL career with the Delhi Capitals. Later, in 2025, he joined the Lucknow Supergiants for a record ₹27 crore bid and captained the team. In 2026, he returned to his old team, the Delhi Capitals. As a prominent sports figure, he also works as a brand ambassador and endorser for renowned brands like Britannia and SG,JSW Steel. Awards Lawrence’s World Come Back of the Year Nomination 2025 For his miraculous return to the cricket field after a horrific accident and winning the T20 World Cup, he has been nominated for the highest percentage Man of the Year in the sports world.

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From the Hills of Almora to Olympic History, The Rise of Lakshya Sen

From the Hills of Almora to Olympic History, The Rise of Lakshya Sen

International badminton player Lakshya Sen has brought pride to India not only nationally but also internationally through his outstanding performances. He was born on 16 August 2001 in Almora district of Uttarakhand into a family where three generations have been associated with badminton. His grandfather was known as the “Bhishma Pitamah of badminton in Almora.” His father, D.K. Sen, has served as a national-level coach, while his elder brother, Chirag Sen, is also an international badminton player. Lakshya began his badminton journey at the Hemanti Nandan Bahuguna Sports Stadium in Almora and later received professional training at the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy in Bengaluru. In 2014, he won the Swiss Junior International title and continued to impress in the junior badminton circuit in 2016. At the 2024 Summer Olympics, Lakshya Sen became the first Indian male shuttler to reach the semifinals in the men’s singles event. He is also a Commonwealth Games gold medalist and a World Championship bronze medalist. At a very young age, he established his identity on both national and international platforms and won several prestigious medals. Major Achievements and Awards:

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April 2026 Lights Up the Sports Calendar: Domestic Leagues, International Series, and Rising Stars Take Center Stage

April 2026 Lights Up the Sports Calendar: Domestic Leagues, International Series, and Rising Stars Take Center Stage

2026 is being seen as a year of special significance for the world of sports, featuring major international events such as the Commonwealth Games, the Asian Games, and two particularly noteworthy chess world championships. Alongside these continental and global tournaments, Indian athletes will not only get a prime stage to showcase their talent on the international stage, but will also play a key role in strengthening India’s overall sporting image and reputation. With a growing number of Indian stars clinching medals and titles overseas, 2026 could become a defining chapter in the country’s sporting history, helping to inspire a new generation of fans, players, and supporters. Extending this momentum, the month of April 2026 is emerging as a hot and dynamic phase in the sports calendar. Across this period, several domestic leagues, international series, and trial‑based tournaments are underway, creating a packed and exciting schedule for fans. These competitions are not just about trophies and rankings; they are crucial platforms for scouting young talent, testing new strategies under pressure, and giving rising stars a chance to open their batting, if you will, on the big stage. From emerging cricketers making their debut to promising shuttlers, footballers, and boxers proving themselves in tough contests, April 2026 offers a rich mix of storylines, surprises, and future‑making moments. India has certainly secured its first medal in the Thomas Cup, as the men’s badminton team defeated Chinese Taipei 3-0 to advance to the tournament’s semifinals. With this victory, the Indian team has touched new heights of its best-ever performance in Thomas Cup history, sparking a wave of joy in the badminton world across the country.During the match, Indian players handled one tough scoreline after another while maintaining their rhythm and won three consecutive doubles matches to eliminate Chinese Taipei without a single tie. Thanks to this strategic and powerful gameplay, India has not only confirmed its semifinal spot but also strengthened its hopes of reaching the final. This performance clearly shows that India has now become a real contender for medals on the global badminton stage, not just a participant.

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The 38th National Games of India kicked off on January 28, 2025, at Dehradun’s Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium

The 38th National Games of India commenced with a grand opening ceremony on January 28, 2025, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the event, marking the first time Uttarakhand has hosted the National Games. Highlights of the Opening Ceremony:• Torch Relay: The National Games torch, named ‘Tejaswini,’ was handed over to Prime Minister Modi by badminton player Lakshya Sen, a semi-finalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The torch had traversed a 4,000 km journey across all 13 districts of Uttarakhand before reaching the stadium. • Cultural Performances: The ceremony began with a classical ‘Tandav’ dance, paying homage to Lord Shiva. Additionally, 2,025 conches were blown simultaneously to signify the commencement of the Games. • Dignitaries Present: Alongside Prime Minister Modi, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was in attendance, underscoring the significance of the event for the state. About the 38th National Games:• Duration and Venues: The Games are scheduled from January 28 to February 14, 2025, spanning 12 cities in Uttarakhand, including Dehradun, Haridwar, Tehri, Rudrapur, Rishikesh, Haldwani, Tanakpur, Pithoragarh, Almora, Nainital, Bhimtal, and Khatima. • Participation: Approximately 10,000 athletes and officials from various states, union territories, and institutions are participating in 32 sports and four demonstration events, such as mallakhamb, kalarippayattu, rafting, and yogasana. • Mascot: The official mascot is ‘Mauli,’ representing the monal bird, which is the state bird of both Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. • Theme: Emphasizing sustainability, the theme ‘Green Games’ focuses on the use of recyclable materials, rainwater harvesting, and eco-friendly transportation systems, aiming to inspire eco-friendly practices among individuals and organizations. During his address, Prime Minister Modi reiterated the government’s commitment to bringing the 2036 Summer Olympics to India, highlighting the nation’s growing emphasis on sports development

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Negi Da and Pandavaas Mesmerize Audience at UPL Closing Ceremony; Stadium Erupts in Celebration

Negi Da, Pandavaas Mesmerize Audience at UPL Closing Ceremony; Stadium Erupts in Celebration The Uttarakhand Premier League concluded today at the Rajiv Gandhi Cricket Stadium in Dehradun. The closing ceremony featured electrifying performances by folk icon Narendra Singh Negi and the Pandavaj band, captivating the audience and prompting the entire stadium to dance and cheer. The crowd turnout was significantly higher than usual, as fans gathered to witness Negi Da and Pandavaas live. Before the league’s final match, a vibrant closing ceremony was organized, where folk singer Narendra Singh Negi delivered a powerful performance. The Pandavaas band also added their unique charm to the event. The entire stadium was immersed in the spirit of Uttarakhand’s culture. Negi Da’s performances of songs like “Ja Badri Kedarnath,” “Himwant Desh Hola Trijuginarayan,” and “Twi Chai Twi Chai Meri Saunjadya Laik” highlighted the region’s religious significance while energizing the youth in the crowd. Pandavaas band further enthralled the audience with numbers such as “Ne Meri Gajna,” “Hath Ma Ganjeli Radha,” and “Jagar,” keeping the crowd dancing for a long time. The large audience fully enjoyed the lively closing ceremony. The Uttarakhand Premier League, which began on September 15 at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, saw Bollywood stars at the opening ceremony, drawing criticism from locals. However, the closing ceremony featured local artists, a decision that resonated well with the crowd.

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Controversy and Redemption: Uttarakhand Premier League Embraces Local Artists for Closing Ceremony After Initial Backlash

The Cricket Association of Uttarakhand (CAU) is organizing the state-level T-20 league, Uttarakhand Premier League, for the first time. However, the CAU has already faced several controversies in this inaugural event. Bollywood figures like B Praak and Manoj Tiwari were invited to the league’s opening ceremony, but local artists from the state were overlooked, which did not sit well with the people of Uttarakhand. This led to protests against the CAU. Eventually, the CAU learned its lesson and dedicated the closing ceremony to local artists. The closing program will feature performances by Narendra Singh Negi, the Pandavaaz Band, and other local artists. It should be noted that the Uttarakhand Premier League has been taking place at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Raipur since September 15. Five teams are competing in the men’s division, while three teams are competing in the women’s division. At the opening ceremony, the organizers invited Bollywood singer B Praak, actor Sonu Sood, and Bhojpuri star Manoj Tiwari, but these artists failed to attract a large crowd. The organizers ignored local artists at the opening ceremony, which angered the local people. The “Mool Nivas Bho Kanoon Sangharsh Samiti” strongly objected to this and surrounded the CAU office. The committee warned that if local artists were not invited for the final event, they would stage a protest on the field, disrupting the league. Following this warning from the “Mool Nivas Bho Kanoon Samanvay Sangharsh Samiti,” the Cricket Association of Uttarakhand took action. The CAU has now given prominence to local artists for the closing ceremony on September 22. Cultural flag-bearers of Uttarakhand, Narendra Singh Negi and the Pandavaaz group, have been invited to perform. The Uttarakhand Premier League officially shared this information on their social media handles. The invitation of local artists has brought happiness among the public. It is expected that the stadium will be packed with people eager to hear Negi Da and Pandavaaz during the closing ceremony, helping the CAU forget the lackluster opening ceremony.

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